In Romans 10, Paul notes that Israel has been stubborn and rebellious in their rejection of God. Now in chapter 11, he turns it around, asking if God has rejected his people.

The answer, simple enough is not completely. Paul himself is an example and he reminds us how even in the worst moments of Israel’s history, God retained a remnant.

And that remnant is chosen by grace, not works. Otherwise “grace would no longer be grace.”

Who of us who were there Sunday will ever forget Pastor Bob’s illustration of the delicious chocolate chip cookie (and they were delicious!) When dirt is added, it’s no longer a delicious cookie–it becomes something else. So too when works are added on to grace, it’s no longer grace.